A short five years ago I officiated my first wedding. As a Dudeist Priest no less.
I checked that box on the bucket list. Figured my Reverend status was retired.
Like Jordan coming back from baseball, it turns out my services were still needed.
I was honored to be asked to marry my bro-in-law and his lovely new bride.
A couple weeks ago we enjoyed a beautiful Saturday evening backyard wedding. A smashing success, if I do say so myself.
Check out my updated Dudeist Priest wedding script below.
I also did a bit of research to confirm the legality of my officiant status in NC. As an added bonus, here’s a link to a great discussion of the NC legality on the Dudeist forum.
Go forth and marry, my dudes!
Dudeist Priest Wedding Script
Welcome
Welcome friends and family.
It’s a great pleasure to welcome everyone here to celebrate this special moment between XYXZ and ZYX.
Who gives ZYX to be married to XYZ?
(Thank you Dad and Mom – Dad, you may take your seat.)
(Flower dudet take flowers)
A marriage is not created by a law or a ceremony; rather it occurs in the hearts of two people.
In witnessing this ceremony today, we are observing the outward sign of an inward union that already exists between XYZ and ZYX.
This ceremony is a symbol of how far they have come, and their promise to continue to build their lives together.
There are only two official witnesses at a wedding, but each and every person here today will witness the vows XYZ and ZYX will share with each other.
We should take good care to remember these words; for a marriage needs the love and support of a community of friends and family.
Address
Today XYZ and ZYX take the first steps on an exciting new journey. A journey that brings adventures, challenges, and moments of courage.
Marriage brings two people together like nothing else; uniting two people who love each other unconditionally and with endless strength.
XYZ and ZYX‘s relationship has grown into a love that brings out the best in each other, a care that knows no boundaries, and a dedication to taking on the world together.
Marriage brings a new commitment. A commitment built on a strong foundation. It’s a promise that has existed in the way you support, appreciate, and encourage each other, long before today.
Today marks the beginning of a new stage in your lives together, a moment that we are all honored to share with you.
Wedding Vows
Let us now hear the declarations and promises that XYZ and ZYX make to each other.
XYZ, please take ZYX‘s hand and repeat after me.
ZYX, today I give myself to you.
I promise to Encourage and inspire you,
To laugh with you
And to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and bad,
When life seems easy and when it seems hard.
When our love is simple,
And when it is an effort.
I promise to cherish you,
And to always hold you in the highest regard.
These promises I give to you today,
And all the days of our life.
ZYX, please repeat after me….
XYZ, today I give myself to you.
I promise to Encourage and inspire you,
To laugh with you
And to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and bad,
When life seems easy and when it seems hard.
When our love is simple,
And when it is an effort.
I promise to cherish you,
And to always hold you in the highest regard.
These promises I give to you today,
And all the days of our life.
Declaration of Intent
XYZ, will you take ZYX to be your partner through life? Will you love her, protect her, and spend your days in laughter together forever?
(I do.)
ZYX, will you take XYZ to be your partner through life? Will you love him, protect him, and spend your days in laughter together forever?
(I do.)
Exchanging of Rings
(Little Dude give rings)
XYZ and ZYX, these rings are a physical representation of the love and commitment you share.
May you be forever reminded of this moment and the joy that fills the air for the rest of your lives.
XYZ please place the ring on your ZYX’s finger and repeat after me….
I give you this ring
to symbolize the continuous flow of my love.
Together we are united,
unstoppable,
and unbreakable,
today and for all of our days.
ZYX please place the ring on XYZ’s finger and repeat after me…
I give you this ring
to symbolize the continuous flow of my love.
Together we are united,
unstoppable,
and unbreakable,
today and for all of our days.
Declaration of Marriage
XYZ and ZYX, no one but you can declare yourselves married.
You have begun that declaration here today in speaking your vows before your friends and family, and you will do it again in the days and years to come, standing by each other, sharing your lives together.
Each tender act and each loving word will be the declaration of what was made here today.
It is my joyful responsibility to officially acknowledge your union as “Husband and Wife”. You may now seal your marriage with a kiss.
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you for the first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. XYZ.